Shanghai/China. Evonik, the leading specialty chemicals company, will showcase its specialty additive solutions targeting manufacturing, components, coatings and adhesives for the photovoltaic (PV) industry at this year’s International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart Energy Conference & Exhibition (SNEC PV Power Expo). Evonik will debut its portfolio for improving the overall performance and production efficiency of solar modules to the market for the first time at the 16th SNEC PV Power Expo.
Although China is globally the largest market for photovoltaics energy, solar power contributes to just a small portion of its total energy capacity today. To accelerate the development of the PV industry and better serve the country’s pledge of carbon neutrality, more efficient and cost-effective utilization of PV systems is indispensable.
“Empowering more ecologically responsible energy management systems and processes is of great significance for Evonik,” said Dr. Benjamin Brehmer, Global Segment Manager Energy & Storage at Evonik’s Interface & Performance business line. “We work closely with local customers and partners to solve individual needs and evolve together to satisfy the drastically transforming photovoltaic industry.”
As one of the key products to be showcased at the expo, the newly launched TEGO® Surten E wetting agents and defoamers target wire saw cutting of silicon ingots, a key step in the production of PV cells based on crystalline silicon. Due to the shifting of silicon ingots to harder and more brittle materials with increased size and geometry, solar module manufacturers are adopting high-performance wafer cutting processes with faster draw speeds and thinner wire diameters, which also sets ever-increasing standards for more advanced cutting fluids.
A formulation containing TEGO® Surten E with an ultra-low dynamic surface tension can effectively and durably remove cutting swarf, leading to a drastically better cut quality ratio (more A+ vs. A-) at higher cutting speeds and much lower dosing rates. The improved cutting process results in higher cell efficiency, better economic balance and a more sustainable operation. Meanwhile, the ideal wetting behavior of TEGO® Surten E products enhances the overall cooling performance of the fluid, ensuring a longer durability of the diamond wire.
In addition to the innovative process aids, Evonik also brings together a wide range of products at SNEC, including Dynasylan® functional silanes, VESTOPLAST® as raw material for adhesives and sealants, and POLYVEST® plasticizers. These solutions can either boost the performance of coating adhesion, improve mechanical property and aging resistance of EVA/POE films, or provide excellent adhesion for solar cells and panels.
Visit Evonik’s tradeshow stand #550 in Hall W4 of Shanghai New International Expo Centre, or follow the Evonik WeChat account to learn more.